Every season "The Biggest Loser" boasts twists that keep the contestants on their toes. But for season 15, the first twist is a big change for the show's trio of trainers.

For the first time ever, Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels and Dolvett Quince won't just work with the contestants — they'll help pick them.

TODAY has an exclusive first look at part of the casting process.

"Why do you need us to give you permission to change?" "What makes you more deserving that anyone else?" "How do you know you're ready for it?" Those are just some of the tough questions the trainers asked potential contestants. The answers they got in return could just be what decided who made it, and who went home before the competition even began.

"I spent the first 40 years in fear, and I want to spend the next ones a different way," one hopeful said.

Another said she thought the opportunity would be a "reality check" for her. Then there was one unusual answer.

"The reason I want to be here is I don't want to be just an Olympian, I want to be a medalist." That response came from a familiar face in the crowd: Holley Mangold, who competed in the super-heavyweight division in the 2012 Olympics. "I think the one thing that has been limiting me is my weight," she said.

After that, Quince realized there was still one would-be contestant who hadn't said a thing.